Use of private motor vehicles by students
Secondary school students are provided with free transport to school through the School Student Transport Scheme if they live over 2 km radial distance or over 2.9 km by the most practical walking route from their school. Therefore, it is not necessary for students to drive themselves to school.However, students who travel to and from school in private vehicles, park in school grounds and use private vehicles on school activities are subject to a number of conditions. These conditions include parental permission of students being transported, student drivers being licensed, motor vehicles being registered and the number of seatbelts in the vehicle.
- Travel to and from school
- Parking on school premises
- Student use of private vehicles for departmental activities
- OHS advice about vehicles on school grounds
Travel to and from school
Students who are licensed drivers are free to drive to and from school. This is a matter for them, their parents and the owner of the vehicle.
The school and the Department are not responsible for drivers or passengers travelling to and from school.
Student use of private vehicles for Departmental activities
The preferred method of conveying students for school activities is by a hired bus, a school’s own bus or public transport.
It is recognised that on some activities, such as those involving only a small number of students, there may be no other feasible option than to allow students to use private vehicles.
The practice of allowing students to use private motor vehicles to transport themselves or other students to certain venues is a significant concession and is at variance with normal procedures.
It follows, therefore, that if the practice is to be allowed it must be on conditions that are strictly supervised by the school. The principal can revoke the concession at any time. If the privilege is abused, approval is to be withdrawn immediately.
Before any student is allowed to drive a private motor vehicle for any Departmental activity, the principal must ensure the following conditions are met:
- The student driver is licensed.
- The motor vehicle is registered.
- Current driver’s licence and car registration details must be sighted prior to giving permission for students to be transported in the vehicle.
- Written permission to use the vehicle must be obtained from the parent(s) of the student driver.
- Written permission to transport other students must be obtained from the parent(s) of the student driver.
- Written permission must be obtained from the parent(s) of students being transported as passengers.
- The number of passengers in the vehicle must not exceed the number of seat belts or in the case of larger vehicles, the number of passengers that the vehicle is licensed to carry.
- The driver must conform to NSW road rules at all times.
- The driver is responsible for all passengers being properly restrained in a seatbelt or approved child restraint.
- The driver of the vehicle and passengers are sensible and responsible enough to justify the concession made to them.
Comprehensive vehicle insurance is not required.
Under no circumstances will any reimbursement be made to students who use their vehicles on school activities, by either the Department or the school.
It should be noted that student drivers who use their cars for hire or reward may invalidate their insurance cover. Students should therefore be advised not to charge passengers a fare. Cost sharing arrangements are, however, generally acceptable but each student driver should seek advice from his/her insurance company.
OHS advice about vehicles on school grounds
Occupational Health and Safety Directorate has prepared advice about vehicles on school gounds. This advice can be accessed at < link to OHS site when live>
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